UNION SECRETARY THREATENED.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1080, 27 March 1913, Page 3

UNION SECRETARY THREATENED.

AN UNUSUAL CASE.

Wellington, March 26,

A unusual case, arising out of the slaughtermen’s strike, was heard in the Magistrate’s Court today, when Walter Litchfield, farmer, of Manaroa, Picton Sounds, was charged with sending a letter to M. J. Reardon, secretary to the Slaughtermen’s Union, containing a threat to kill the recipient. The letter was as follows: —

“M. J. Reardon, Wellington. If you want to keep your job, you had better settle this strike quick. My mortgagee is only waiting for an excuse to step in, and if I can’t sell my lambs within the next lortnight or three weeks he will get his chance and I shall be ruined. If that happens it will not matter what happens to me after. Ijdon’t want to be either ruined or huug, but if I am through you, I will send you to h—first, and tfiough you may have a few weeks’ start of me, and h — is a big place, I’ll find you if it does take most of eternity to do it. Then it will tfe h — indeed for you and perhaps for both of us. So, if you don’t want your wife to be a widow, settle this strike at once or I’ll settle you. Presidents, kings and emperors sometimes died before they were ready, so don’t cry if you bring a sudden end on yourself.”

The lette-r was addressed : " His Imperial Majesty, M. J. Reardon, Tzar of all New Zealand, Strike Promoter, etc., Wellington, or elsewhere.” Mr Reardon stated in evidence that he received the letter during the strike. In cross-examination he said he did not regard the letter as a joke. He took the threat seriously. Mr Griffiths, auctioneer, Blenheim, gave evidence that he had held a bailment over Litchfield’s place, but he would not swear it was still operative. Litchfield was not in arrears with the interest.

Counsel; Do you know of any other farmers in the Manaroa district having mortgages over their property. The witness laughingly replied, “ Yes, a great majority.” Counsel: Could you think of one that might be in difficulties and in danger of the mortgagee taking possession.

Witness : Yes, I could think of one.

Accused pleaded not guilty, and was committed for trial.